Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month. All across the country, communities will be making efforts to spotlight a range of dyslexic needs, struggles, and signs.

Dyslexia is one of the most common language-based learning disabilities. Between 5-10% of the population is estimated to have dyslexia while 70-80% of those with reading difficulties are likely to have some form of dyslexia. Although the causes of it are varied and not fully known, scientists believe that there are genetic components predisposing certain individuals for dyslexia. We can identify the children who are at risk for learning to read, spell, and write as early as preschool. Signs of dyslexia may manifest themselves early on through difficulties in spoken language, and then in reading, writing, and spelling. While it is true that the earlier we can intervene, the better; it is also never too late to get help!

This month, students and educators across the nation are raising awareness about the struggles associated with dyslexia. It occurs in a variety of demographics ranging all intelligence levels and those diagnosed are often left with many questions concerning the effects and the resources available for improvement. By recognizing the significant educational implications of this learning difference, there is more opportunity to ensure early diagnosis and intervention for dyslexics. Discover more at http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/answers/faq.

Take the ZYX Challenge!

The ZYX Challenge is an idea that was brought to the International Dyslexia Association last spring by Jasleen Toor and friends, all currently ninth graders living in New Jersey. They have created ZYX Challenge social media accounts for Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with the goal of raising funds and awareness for IDA.

We ask each of you to take the Challenge and post it on social media. Encourage your kids, friends, and family to do the same. It’s a fun and easy way to raise awareness and show your support.

Here’s how it works:

Make a video of your attempt to say the alphabet backwards in under 45 seconds. Open the video with a brief introduction such as “I’m taking the challenge to support the millions of kids in schools who struggle daily with dyslexia.”

Challenge another person to do the same and post it on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the hashtags #ZYXChallenge and #UntilEveryoneCanRead

Get ready…ZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA!

Thank you for participating in Dyslexia Awareness Month. Together we can create a future for all individuals who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to the tools and resources they need.